LaMelo Ball scored 35 points but the Charlotte Hornets were thoroughly dominated in a loss to the Orlando Magic, 114-89.

The Summary

The first quarter was good. LaMelo Ball set off the fireworks he usually saves for the fourth quarter and led the Hornets in scoring. Jalen Suggs got uncharacteristically hot on the other end of the floor and went shot for shot with Ball and led the Magic to a two point lead after one.

The Hornets played one of the sloppiest second quarters you’ll ever see. They turned the ball over 10 times with a number of them coming in rapid succession. That combined with Franz Wagner’s continued hot shooting put the Hornets in an 11 point hole at the half.

The Hornets hit the Magic with a quick run coming out of the half, but more missed shots and turnovers let the Magic build their lead right back up. The Hornets threatened to make a game of it a few times but let go of the rope near the end of the third and let the Magic build their biggest lead of the night.

The Hornets made one shot between the 4:49 mark of the third quarter and the 8:34 mark of the fourth quarter. In that time, the Magic lead ballooned up to 30 points. With it being the in-season tournament, the starters played a little longer than normal, but the game was such a laugher that the teams still ended up emptying the benches.

The Good

LaMelo Ball was a silver lining in an otherwise brutal game to watch. He topped 30 points for the third straight time and sits top five in the league in scoring.

Moussa Diabate had his first career double double. He brought the same intensity on the glass that’s become commonplace for him but added a few finishes at the rim to complement that.

Grant Williams was the only other player to score in double figures. He matched the Magic’s physicality and shot the ball well from deep.

The Bad

The turnovers were a problem once again. Two nights after losing to a depleted 76ers team because of poor ball security, the Hornets came out and did the same thing against a much better Magic team. Some of them were inexcusable—lost dribbles, passes to nobody, careless offensive fouls. It needs to be cleaned up.

The Hornets need Brandon Miller to take a second year leap to be a threat this season. He still hasn’t found it outside of a game or two. Tonight was a low point. He made just 3-of-18 shots and one of his 11 3-point attempts. He simply has to be better.

Tidjane Salaün hasn’t looked ready for game action, and it was very apparent tonight. He failed to make a shot when the game was competitive and looked overwhelmed by the Magic’s competitiveness.

Taj Gibson looked like the guy that was supposed to be a vet presence and not a player in games. He was only credited with two turnovers, but he bobbled away a few passes and rebounds that won’t show up in his box score.

What’s Next?

The Hornets have a few days to lick their wounds. They’ll be back in action on Saturday against the Bucks.